Top Breeds

Small Dog Breeds

With 94 small dog breeds to choose from, many prospective pet owners decide to adopt a miniature dog due to their cute and cuddly appearance. Since most of the dog breeds within this category weigh less than 22 pounds and are shorter than 16 inches at the shoulder height, owners are delighted to have an adorable little friend that can be easily carried along anywhere. While the Chihuahua is among the smallest dog breeds at just 6 to 10 inches, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is on the other side of the small dog spectrum at 14 to 16 inches tall.

With a saucy, perky appearance and a personality to match, Chihuahuas are well-known for being the smallest breed of dog in the world. However, never underestimate them for their small size as the breed is often described as being alert, swift-mov

Commonly described as a “clown in the cloak of a philosopher,” the French Bulldog is a small companion breed that is prized for its affectionate and playful nature. In addition to the breed having a starring role on the hit show Modern

Commonly referred to as the “American Gentleman” for its refined personality and dapper markings resembling a tuxedo, the Boston Terrier is an all-American, lively, and highly intelligent breed with an exceptional disposition. With the

Long recognized as a cherished breed in China, the Shih Tzu has been the dog of choice for everyone from royalty to everyday people. Long flowing coats, along with a sweet and playful arrogance, make the Shih Tzu truly one-of-a-kind.

Known for being a confident, animated companion with a rather extroverted personality, the Pomeranian is a compact, toy-sized dog that is currently ranked as the 19th most popular breed by the American Kennel Club. Also affectionately referred to&

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed of dog that packs a big punch. They are full of personality and spunk which can often lead to them being mislabeled as a mischievous breed. In reality, they are highly intelligent and can be easily trained

The Brussels Griffon breed was developed in Belgium primarily from the Belgian street dog and the Affenpinscher. The Belgian street dog is very similar to the Fox Terrier and the Affenpinscher is a toy breed with a monkey-like face. The Brussels G

The Miniature Pinscher closely resembles the Doberman. However it is not a miniature Doberman. Like the Dobie, the Min Pin is a German breed of dog. Pinscher is the German word for "terrier." The proud, alert and spirited Min Pin with its high-ste

As the official Japanese national treasure, the Shiba Inu is a charming companion dog with a lively personality, big attitude, and playful sense of humor. Occasionally mistook for a fox with its distinctive appearance, the Shiba Inu is an active a

Another characteristic that must be considered when choosing tiny dogs is their level of grooming maintenance. With many of the types of small dogs falling into the Toy Group, the dogs are well-known for having an abundant amount of hair hanging down to their feet, such as the Lhasa Apso or Shetland Sheepdog. Therefore, it is important for owners to consider the monetary costs associated with professional grooming or time spent brushing the dogs on a daily basis. If there is simply not enough time in the day to spend on regular brushing, it is recommended that owners choose one of the short-haired small dog breeds like the Beagle, Dachshund, or French Bulldog. With many types of small dogs falling into the categorization of "hypo-allergenic," they are also popular with individuals prone to allergies to avoid the sneezes.

Overall, small dog breeds have earned the prized reputation as lap companions that can be perfect for people living in smaller spaces. Ideal for apartments and condos, many small dog breeds can be trained to use a litter box to save long trips down the elevator to do their business. Although the breeds in this size category vary greatly from larger breeds, it is important for owners to realize that they are still dogs. Generally, small tiny dogs require as much commitment as larger breeds with plenty of walks, playtime, and obedience training for a happy life.